10 Secrets to Living to 100, According to the World's Oldest People (11 photos)

People living today stand a much better chance of reaching their 100th birthday than their grandparents ever did. Modern medicine, skilled doctors, and convenient fitness apps—things previous generations couldn't even dream of—are all helping stretch the human lifespan.





Here, we’ve rounded up advice from centenarians who have crossed the century mark. Interestingly, some of their tips completely contradict one another—so feel free to pick whichever lifestyle advice suits you best!



1. Enjoy a Regular Glass of Whisky

Well over a century old, Samuel Ball remains bright and full of energy. When asked for the secret to his longevity, he didn't hesitate: "Booze and a good woman." Samuel believes the key to a long life is a loving wife, two shots of Scotch whisky before bed, and an easygoing attitude.





2. Keep a Sense of Humor

Emiliano Mercado, who lived to the ripe old age of 115, credited his sense of humor for his remarkable longevity. He also swore by a daily bowl of funche—a traditional dish made from boiled cornmeal, cod, and milk cream.



3. Celebrate Family and Stay Creative

Claiming that a daily routine of port wine, chocolate, cigarettes, and olive oil is the key to longevity sounds absurd. Yet that was precisely the recipe for Jeanne Louise Calment, who lived to be 122. Later in life, she even released a CD titled "Time's Mistress," performing spoken-word rap tracks about her long journey.



4. Start the Morning with Whisky and Honey

Fred Hale, who passed away at 112, attributed his long life to bee pollen and honey, which he ate every morning—occasionally washing it down with a splash of whisky.



5. Eat Raw Fish and Get a Good Mattress

Eating sushi regularly and getting eight hours of sleep every night: that was the simple secret of Misao Okawa, the fifth person in recorded history to reach the age of 117. Her parting advice? "Learn how to relax—stress is a killer."



6. Enjoy the Occasional Cigar

Despite stern warnings from doctors around the globe, 115-year-old Christian Mortensen maintained that smoking in moderation wouldn't hurt. He argued that all you need is a "healthy lifestyle" and the occasional fine Danish cigar.



7. Eat as Much Bacon as You Can

It sounds completely wild, but 105-year-old Pearl Cantrell insists that bacon is the real secret to reaching a century. She simply adores bacon and eats it every single day.



8. Never Drink or Smoke

Different strokes for different folks: Tomoji Tanabe, who passed away at 113, insisted he reached his impressive age precisely because he never touched booze or smoked a cigarette in his entire life.



9. Keep Your Portions Small

Jiroemon Kimura, a Japanese postal worker who lived for 115 years and 253 days, attributed his longevity to eating small meals and never stuffing himself. His staple diet consisted of rice, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes.



10. Smoke Like a Chimney

It seems almost impossible that anyone could survive such habits, yet 101-year-old Dorothy Howe smoked nearly half a million cigarettes over her lifetime. "I'm only alive today because of whisky and cigarettes," the British centenarian claimed. "My doctor even told me I wouldn't be here without them!"